Frozen clams that are used in black clam ceviche (“ceviche de conchas negras”) have been linked to an outbreak of Hepatitis A with at least 37 people sick in 4 states.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting hepatitis A food poisoning cases in all 50 states. If you got sick after eating black clam ceviche, or ceviche de conchas negras, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Quick Facts About This Outbreak
- Product: La Serranita concha negra (black shell) shell meat, fresh frozen, imported from Ecuador
- Illnesses: 37 people sick in 4 states (Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania as of September 17, 2026)
- Hospitalizations: 30 people hospitalized out of 37 patients (81%)
- Hazard: Hepatitis A virus contamination in raw or undercooked shellfish
- What to do: If you are not already vaccinated against Hepatitis A, and you ate this in the past 14 days, contact a health care provider about post-exposure prophylaxis
- Health information: CDC outbreak page
Frozen Clams Linked to Hepatitis A Outbreak
In May 2026, the CDC, the FDA, state and local health officials began investigating an outbreak of Hepatitis A. In September 2026, the outbreak was linked to frozen conchas negras (black clams) that were imported to the U.S. from Ecuador, and typically served raw or undercooked in ceviche.
How Many People Got Sick?
According to the CDC outbreak investigation, as of September 17, 2026, 37 people were sickened in 4 states: Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania.
This outbreak has been ongoing for over 1 year, with the illness onset dates ranging from July 30, 2025, to June 23, 2026.
The hospitalization rate is also unusually high for food poisoning outbreaks. Of the 37 people with data available, 30 (81%) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported, but Hepatitis A is a potentially life-threatening infection for people who have risk-factors like liver disease.
How Was the Outbreak Traced to Concha Negra Clams?
Health officials traced this outbreak to frozen clams after interviewing people who got sick about the foods that they ate in the 15 to 50 days before their symptoms began. Of the people who were interviewed:
- 77% said they ate ceviche
- 76% said they are raw or undercooked shellfish
- 47% specifically said they ate raw or undercooked conchas negras (black clams).
FDA Safety Alert for La Serranita Concha Negra
In April 2026, the FDA published a safety alert for La Serranita®-brand concha negra (black shell) fresh frozen shell meat. This product was imported from Ecuador, sold in 16-oz. plastic packages, and shipped to restaurants and retailers in multiple states.
What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a liver infection that is caused by the hepatitis A virus, which spreads through contaminated food or water. Symptoms may appear 2 to 7 weeks after exposure, and can include:
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Fatigue
- Not wanting to eat food
- Dark urine
- clay-colored stools
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
What Should I Do If I Ate the Recalled Clams?
If you are not vaccinated against Hepatitis A and you recently ate raw or undercooked conchas negras, or specifically know you ate La Serranita® concha negra shell meat that was recalled, contact your local health department or health care provider right away to ask about postexposure prophylaxis.
Do I Have a Frozen Clam Hepatitis A Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting hepatitis A food poisoning cases in all 50 states. If you got sick after eating concha negra (black clams) or clam ceviche, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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